'Drain debacle' delays Formula 1's Las Vegas Grand Prix FP2 session

In the initial 60-minute session, the excitement quickly turned into chaos as Carlos Sainz encountered a loose drain cover on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The unfortunate collision not only brought an early end to Sainz's run but also left the underside of his Ferrari damaged. Adding to the drama, Esteban Ocon suffered a chassis loss after hitting the same loose drain and debris from Sainz's incident.

With only eight minutes of on-track action, the session was abruptly abandoned, casting doubt on the schedule for the day.

Track officials swiftly initiated inspections, given the 3.8-mile circuit's status as the second-longest on the Formula 1 calendar. The culprit behind the chaos was revealed as the concrete frame around a manhole cover, prompting a comprehensive check of all other manhole covers. The FIA stated, "We now need to check all of the other manhole covers, which will take some time."

The uncertainty loomed over when the session would resume and whether an extension would be granted. The FIA assured, "We will be discussing with the local circuit engineering team about the length of time it will take to resolve and will update with any resultant changes to the schedule."

As Formula 1 enthusiasts eagerly await the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, the unexpected delay raises concerns about the track's readiness. The 14-turn street circuit promises thrilling top speeds of around 342 kilometres per hour on the lengthy straight across the iconic Vegas Strip. This puts the venue in direct competition with legendary tracks like Monza for average speeds.

As the clock ticks down to the resumption of FP2, the motorsport community are hoping for a swift resolution to the drain debacle and a seamless continuation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

 

Read More: Las Vegas Grand Prix misfires as FP1 cancelled after just 20 minutes (planetsport.com)